‘You can’t just kick them out’: Mixed reaction to Barrie’s emergency declaration on homelessness

The city’s decision to declare a state of emergency regarding homelessness has caused mixed opinions in Barrie.

“They’re sleeping on my porch.” Something has to be done." “You can’t just kick them out.” Those are some of the voices emerging after Barrie Mayor Alex Nuttall declared a state of emergency on homelessness.

Some advocates say this move is long overdue, while others express their deep concerns. There are roughly 20 illegal sites across Barrie, with tents visible on sidewalks, near businesses, and around residential neighbourhoods. The city has stated it can no longer manage the growing number of encampments on its own.

• Barrie, Ont. mayor declares city-wide state of emergency

Barrie residents voice frustration

Some residents say the situation has simply gone too far.

“Looking at the state of the courthouse, something has to happen. And at Flat Rock, the mess that was left over and the sensitivity of the area. I think something has to be done,” said one man downtown.

Another woman, who lives near the Barrie Courthouse where many have stationed themselves, described waking up to people sleeping on her property.

“Right on that top step, not even the bottom step. They were bold enough to come right up to the porch,” she told CTV News.

Others residents stressed that compassion must remain central.

“As a country with our amount of resources, we should be able to have a plan B to look after these people in some sort of facility. You can’t just kick them out and give them nothing,” said another resident.

Residents and business owners alike have been complaining about the homeless scene in the city for several months now.

Local organizations stand with Barrie mayor

Local organizations that support Barrie’s unhoused population say the mayor’s declaration is long overdue.

Sara Peddle, who manages the Busby Centre a social services organization in Barrie, said her team has been calling for this step for years.

“We’ve been calling for a state of emergency on homelessness for many years. From a humanistic perspective, we want to see people get housed. This is a housing and homelessness crisis. If it brings more resources and more collaboration, then we are hopeful,” she said.

At the same time, Peddle says that the city must outline what specific resources will be made available. “Really now, it’s about coming together, and instead of pointing fingers, it’s about collaboration. A quick fix isn’t going to cut it.”

County of Simcoe on board with the City

As part of the order, the mayor is calling on the County to expand access to additional shelter spaces and support services. The County of Simcoe, which oversees social services and housing, says it is prepared to support Barrie.

“We are there to support the City of Barrie, and we will have the housing in place ready to go when they are ready. If this emergency helps free up some one-time funding, we’ll certainly put that to good use,” said Warden Basil Clarke.

“As the Mayor said, ”homes cannot be built overnight.” Much of our continued funding and efforts focus on increasing access to supportive housing,” stated the County in a Tuesday release.

For now, residents and services alike are waiting to see whether the declaration brings change or simply more debate over how to address encampments across the City of Barrie.

With files from CTV’s Rob Cooper.